Encouraging Words Needed

2 Timothy 1:1–18 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.

18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

Introduction:

A- Background

1- We have no details of Paul’s travels after his release from his first Roman imprisonment. Titus 3:12 indicates that he visited Nicopolis.

Titus 3:12 (NLT)

12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.

2- He must have departed from there and gone to Troas, where, in a “quick exit,” he had left his cloak, books, and parchments (2 Tim. 4:13) with his host, Carpus.

2 Timothy 4:13 (NLT)

13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

3- How or where he was arrested again, we do not know. We do know that Nero had unleashed a terrible persecution against the Christians, and that Paul’s second imprisonment was far different from his first (Acts 28).

4- He was now a hated prisoner in a Roman prison, not an accused man in “his own hired house” awaiting trial.

5- As we read this final letter from Paul’s heart, we can sense his loneliness and heartache as he faced his trial and certain martyrdom. “Only Luke is with me,” he writes, as he begs his son in the faith, Timothy, to come to him as quickly as possible.

6- If the Alexander mentioned in 2 Tim. 4:14 is the same as the man in Acts 19:33, then it is possible that Paul’s arrest took place in or near Ephesus.

2 Timothy 4:14 (NLT)

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done.

Acts 19:33 (NLT)

33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward and told him to explain the situation. He motioned for silence and tried to speak.

7- When talking to the Ephesian elders, Paul mentioned “plottings of the Jews” (Acts 20:19), and it is possible that Alexander the coppersmith had something to do with these plots. Some students think that Alexander was associated with the guild of idol-makers and that he was unhappy at Paul’s first escape from Ephesus.

Acts 20:19 (NLT)

19 I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews.

Timothy was no longer the leader at Ephesus; Tychicus had been sent to take his place (2 Timothy 4:12). Apparently Timothy was doing work as a traveling minister and evangelist in the area around Ephesus. Paul expected Timothy to come to Rome because he knew that Timothy would be in Troas (2 Timothy 4:13) and Ephesus (2 Timothy 1:16–18). These cities were on the road to Rome.

2 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

2 Timothy 4:13 (NLT)

13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

2 Timothy 1:16–18 (NLT)

16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.

18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

B- Purpose

1- The letter is intensely personal.

Paul is alone at Rome, awaiting trial and certain death.

He longs to see his son Timothy and to encourage him to take his place in the ministry of the Gospel.

Paul sees apostasy and defeat all around him. Dr. Sidlow Baxter, in Explore the Book, points out that the “some” of 1 Timothy has become “all” in 2 Timothy. “Some have turned aside” (1 Timothy 1:6) ; “some have made shipwreck” (1 Timothy 1:19); “some have turned aside after Satan” (1 Timothy 5:15); “some have been led astray” (1 Timothy 6:10); “some have erred” (1 Timothy 6:21)—this is the theme of his first letter. But in 2 Timothy we read: “all have turned away from me” (2 Timothy 1:15); “all forsook me”! (2 Timothy 4:16)

The churches were turning from the faith, and Paul urged young Timothy to be true to his calling and fulfill his ministry. Woven into the exhortations in this letter are the personal sentiments and concerns of the great apostle. This letter is not a “swan song” of defeat; it is an anthem of victory!

2- If we follow the chapter divisions in our Bible, we see four appeals from Paul to Timothy to encourage him to be a faithful minister in spite of discouraging conditions.

Chapter 1 is the pastoral appeal, in which Paul reminds Timothy of his calling to the ministry and of the responsibilities and privileges that go with it.

Chapter 2 is the practical appeal, in which Paul seeks to solve some of the young minister’s problems: his persecution for the sake of the Gospel, false teachers, and church difficulties.

In chapter 3, Paul uses the prophetic appeal, explaining the course of events and the importance of holding fast to the Word.

Finally, chapter 4 gives the personal appeal from the heart of the aged apostle, urging Timothy to remain true because he (Paul) would soon be executed. He did not want Timothy to become another Demas.

3- As you read Paul’s two letters to Timothy, you begin to understand the problems of this young minister. For one thing, he hesitated to face matters squarely and settle them according to the Word of God. There was “fear” (cowardice) in his life, perhaps the fear of man that “brings a snare” (Prov. 29:25). He faced the usual temptations of a young man and certainly did not feel adequate for the task.

Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)

25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

TS: Paul shared with Timothy five wonderful encouragements to sustain him and help him stay with the task.

I. A Praying Friend (2 Timothy 1:1–5)

2 Timothy 1:1–5 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

A- Paul was facing martyrdom, yet he took time to pray for Timothy! (2 Timothy 1:1-3)

2 Timothy 1:1–3 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

If you will compare 1 Tim. 1:1 with 2 Tim. 1:1, you will see that Paul, facing death, was now thinking about the “promise of life in Christ Jesus”—and what a wonderful promise it is! He assures Timothy of his love and prayers and of his good remembrance of him night and day.

1 Timothy 1:1 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.

2 Timothy 1:1 (NLT)

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

B- He reminds Timothy that there is much to be thankful for, in spite of the problems he was facing. (2 Timothy 1:4-5)

2 Timothy 1:4–5 (NLT)

4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

He reminds him of his godly heritage and of the faith that God has given him, not only for salvation, but also for daily living and Christian service. We do not know if Timothy’s loved ones were still living at this time; but if they were, they were certainly bearing him up in prayer. What a blessing it is to have praying friends! What an encouragement it is to pray for others and to help them along in their spiritual lives. See 1 Sam. 12:23.

1 Samuel 12:23 (NLT)

23 “As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you. And I will continue to teach you what is good and right.

II. A Wonderful Gift (2 Timothy 1:6–7)

2 Timothy 1:6–7 (NLT)

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

A- The spiritual gift from God. (2 Timothy 1:6)

2 Timothy 1:6 (NLT)

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

One of Timothy’s problems was fear, in the form of a timidity about facing problems and doing God’s work. His youthfulness probably contributed to this (1 Tim. 4:12).

1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

Paul reminds Timothy that he was neglecting the gift God had given him (1 Tim. 4:14) and that he needed to stir it up, as a man would fan into flame the embers of a dying fire.

1 Timothy 4:14 (NLT)

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

Paul was not suggesting that Timothy was losing his salvation, for this is impossible, but that he was losing his zeal for the Lord and enthusiasm in the Lord’s work.

B- The gift of spiritual power. (2 Timothy 1:7)

2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Paul is writing about the Holy Spirit in v. 7.

The Spirit does not generate fear in us (see Rom. 8:15), but rather power, love, and discipline (sound mind, self-control).

Romans 8:15 (NLT)

15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”

Every Christian needs all three! The Holy Spirit is the power of our lives (Acts 1:8; Eph. 3:20–21; Phil. 4:13).

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 3:20–21 (NLT)

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Paul uses this word “power” in all of his letters except the one to Philemon. The Spirit also gives us love, for the fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal. 5:22-23).

Our love for Christ, for the Word, for other believers, and for the lost, must come from the Spirit (Rom. 5:5).

The Spirit also gives us discipline and self-control; as a result we are not easily captured by our feelings or circumstances. When the Spirit is in control, we will experience peace and poise, and fear and cowardice will vanish. Note Acts 4:1–22, especially v. 13.

III. A Holy Calling (2 Timothy 1:8–11)

2 Timothy 1:8–11 (NLT)

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

A- Don’t be ashamed of your holy calling. (2 Timothy 1:8)

2 Timothy 1:8 (NLT)

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

1- The people at Ephesus knew that Timothy was Paul’s friend and co-laborer, but Paul was now a Roman prisoner! “Don’t be ashamed of me or of the Gospel!” Paul admonished. “Our suffering is all a part of our heavenly calling as ministers.” When Christians suffer, they suffer with Christ (Phil. 3:10). The same power that saves us also strengthens us for the battle. Paul emphasized that our calling is by grace; we do not deserve to be saved. If God permits us to suffer, after giving us such a wonderful salvation, what right have we to complain or quit! “God has a purpose in mind,” Paul advised. “Let Him work out that purpose.”

Philippians 3:10 (NLT)

10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

B- Remember the focus of your holy calling. (2 Timothy 1:9-11)

2 Timothy 1:9–11 (NLT)

9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News.

11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

1- God’s wonderful purpose in the Gospel was hidden in ages past but now it has been revealed. “Abolished” in v. 10 means “made of no effect, disarmed.” God did not eliminate death through the cross, because people still die. But He did disarm death—take the sting out of it—for the believer. Christ has brought life and immortality (the condition of never dying) to light. These doctrines are “in the shadows” in the OT, but we must beware of building a doctrine of immortality, death, or resurrection from OT passages alone. Many false cults use Job, Ecclesiastes, and some of Psalms to defend such strange doctrines as soul-sleep.

IV. A Faithful Savior (2 Timothy 1:12–14)

2 Timothy 1:12–14 (NLT)

12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

A- Christ is faithful regardless of our circumstances.

12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.

1- What an encouragement it is to know that Christ is faithful and able to keep His own! “I know (οἶδα) whom I have believed! (πεπίστευκα)” was Paul’s confidence—not “I hope” or “I think.”

a- οἶδα = ‘to know, to know about, to have knowledge of, to be acquainted with, acquaintance.

b- πεπίστευκα = to believe to the extent of complete trust and reliance—‘to believe in, to have confidence in, to have faith in, to trust, faith, trust.’

c- φυλάξαι = “to guard, watch, keep,”

B- Faithfully teach the Gospel that is grounded in the faithful Savior. (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

2 Timothy 1:13–14 (NLT)

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

1- “Form” (ὑποτύπωσιν) in v. 13 means “outline or example.” The church had an outline of sound (healthy) doctrine, and to digress from that outline was to sin. Timothy was to hold fast to that basic outline of doctrine through the power of the Spirit (v. 14). Verses 12 and 14 are parallel: Christ in glory is able to keep what we give to Him, and the Spirit on earth helps us to keep what Christ gives to us!

V. A Godly Example (2 Timothy 1:15–18)

2 Timothy 1:15–18 (NLT)

15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.

18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

A- Follow godly examples of the faith.

1- Not every believer lives a life worthy of emulation. (2 Timothy 1:15)

2 Timothy 1:15 (NLT)

15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

a- All in Asia had forsaken Paul (see also 2 Timothy 4:16).

2 Timothy 4:16 (NLT)

16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

b- The two men he names may have been members of the Ephesian church, men whom Timothy would know personally.

2- We are to seek out those who are faithful to the gospel to emulate. (2 Timothy 1:17-18)

2 Timothy 1:17–18 (NLT)

17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.

18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

a- There was one man who had remained true—Onesiphorus (“one who brings profit or benefit”). This godly man was probably a deacon at Ephesus, for v. 18 can be translated “and in how many things he fully played the deacon” since the word “minister” can also mean “deacon” in the Gk.

b- This man came to Rome, sought Paul, and served him without fear or shame. “He was not ashamed of my chain!” (v. 16) What an example for Timothy to follow and for all of us to observe! Here was a deacon in the church showing more zeal, love, and courage than his pastor!

c- Note that v. 17 says that Onesiphorus was in Rome. Apparently he was no longer there and perhaps was on his way back to Ephesus. It may be that he carried this letter to Timothy. At any rate, Paul greets this deacon’s household in v. 16.

CONCLUSION: